Best Weighted Blanket for a Calm, Restful Sleep

As a troubled sleeper who has turned from sleep medication to a healthier and holistic route, I want to guide you in your search for the best weighted blanket. For years, therapists and medical professionals have known of the health benefits that can be achieved by sleeping under a weighted blanket. Originally these treatments were prescribed to patients suffering from acute conditions such as autism or sensory processing disorders.

Recently, the application of weighted blankets has expanded to include much more home use. From sufferers of insomnia to sleepers who just want to lower anxiety, the general public has begun to embrace the benefits of habitually sleeping under a weighted blanket.

Shopping for the Best Weighted Blanket

Before I delve into the finalists for the best weighted blanket, I want to share some information I’ve gathered about how to shop for these unique products.

Who is it for?

Generally, weighted blankets are for solo use. If two sleepers in the same bed want to simultaneously enjoy the benefits of a weighted blanket, I recommended that they each get one. However, the largest blankets (80” x 87”) can be shared if neither sleeper is overly restless.

Sizes

When considering the sizes of weighted blankets (twin, Queen, etc.), it is crucial to understand that they are much smaller than normal blankets with the same designation. For instance, a twin weighted blanket is typically about 48” x 72”, which is the size of the top of a twin bed. In contrast, sheets and blankets for a twin bed hang off the sides. Weighted blankets specifically cover the sleeper and are therefore best used simultaneously with other sheets and blankets.

Weight

Due to varying densities of fill, the weights of weighted blankets run independently of the size (area). I recommend that you purchase a weighted blanket by using this formula: 10% of sleeper weight + 1 pound. For instance, if you weigh 190 pounds, purchase a 20-pound weighted blanket.

With their emotionally appealing (and accurate) catch phrase ‘feel like being hugged’, YnM weighted blankets have taken the sleep/comfort market by storm. In my search for best weighted blanket, there were many contenders. But the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket topped my list.

Exterior Construction

To simplify our consideration of the best weighted blanket, let’s work from the outside in.

Duvet Cover

The first thing to note, the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket does not come with a duvet cover included. Since YnM offers many compatible duvets, I consider this an advantage. It keeps the base cost of the blanket down and provides a wide variety of covers to choose from. You can purchase cotton, minky cotton, and bamboo duvets in a variety of colors and patterns.

Blanket Cover

The exterior of the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket itself is a lightweight cotton. Without the duvet cover, you can see the quilted squares that contain the weighted material and other fill.

Interior Construction

YnM advertises a 7-Layer construction for all of its products. This thoroughly-researched and effective combination of materials strengthens my claim that the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket is the best weighted blanket for facilitating comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.

Blanket Fill

The weight of the blanket comes from glass microbeads. These tiny beads are naturally hypoallergenic and allow heat to pass through the blanket, keeping the sleeper cooler. A layer of soft, light fiberfill surrounds the beads. This reduces noise from movement and helps to evenly distribute the weight provided by the beads.

Quilting

Without quilting, the glass microbeads and fiberfill would pool and bunch. The quilted squares are roughly 6” to a side, and strong stitching holds the fill in place as the sleeper moves. This keeps the weight of the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket on top of the sleeper instead of to the sides.

Fasteners

The YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket has 5 cloth loops to assist positioning and hold the blanket to the inside of the duvet cover.

Comfort

Users give the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket high marks for comfort. However, it is common for first time users to struggle adjusting to the use of any weighted blanket. I recommend that you lower the room temperature and experiment with different positions as you begin to enjoy the weighted blanket.

Durability

Compared to other contenders for the best weighted blanket, the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket has an extremely high rating for durability. Almost all of the rare issues with the blanket occur out-of-the-box, which suggests flaws in individual items. These outliers are covered by the 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Value

None of my contenders for best weighted blanket are cheap. The cost of the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, but I consider the value very high considering the comfort and durability. The cost is also kept in line by the manufacturer’s decision to sell the duvet cover separately. Take this into account when comparing YnM products to others which come with this accessory.

Flaws But Not Deal Breakers

As my pick for the best weighted blanket, the YnM 20 lb Queen Blanket doesn’t suffer from many downsides. However, let’s look hard enough to point out one or two.

Weight Shifts to the Sides of the Sleeper

Although I mentioned the quilting that keeps the weighted filling spread out, some sleepers experience frustration that the weight does not stay concentrated on top of them. This tends to affect larger and more restless sleepers.

In Rare Cases, Beads Escape Stitching

A few users have reported that the glass beads escaped through a tear in the stitching. This appears to be very uncommon.

With their mission to ‘improve the health of people and the environments around them’, truHugs brings a large emphasis on sustainability to the weighted blanket market. While they are a bit of a ‘Dark Horse’ contender (very few products and even fewer reviews), they manufacture and distribute with transparency and passion for quality. I’m very pleased to recommend the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket as runner-up for best weighted blanket.

Exterior Construction

Unlike the YnM blanket, the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket comes with a duvet cover (and two matching pillowcases). Also, as you’ll see, truHugs is very specific about all of their materials.

Duvet Cover

The 300-thread count bamboo duvet cover is soft, cool to the touch, and dissipates heat better than cotton. It is naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and antifungal. The bamboo fabric is also a highly biodegradable, extremely ecologically-friendly material.

Blanket Cover

Interior Construction

The interior of the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket is carefully designed and meticulously constructed.

Blanket Fill

Like the YnM blanket, the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket utilizes glass micro-beads as the primary source of weight for the blanket. These beads are even finer (more like sand) and give the blanket a 400 GSM (grams/square meter) density. This is equivalent to a bath towel you would find at a luxury hotel.

Quilting

The quilting of the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket is superior to even the YnM blanket. Each square of reinforced filler is only 4” on a side (smaller = better). This keeps the weight very evenly distributed and is a key factor in making this a contender for best weighted blanket.

Fasteners

This weighted blanket comes equipped with 12 ties that match 12 ties on the duvet cover. Flip the duvet inside out, shoestring tie these together, and then flip it back (slipping the weighted blanket inside). Finally, use a zipper to close the duvet cover. Compared to the other blankets in the review, thetruHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket is the most secure.

Comfort

Like the YnM blanket, the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket gets top marks for comfort. Unfortunately, because the company is much smaller, there are fewer reviews to compare, but all verified purchasers tout this blanket’s feel.

Durability

Although the website makes a point of contesting these concerns, the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket’s biodegradability gives me pause when it comes to durability through multiple wash cycles. However, the blanket comes with a one-year full warranty if there are any issues from normal use.

Value

Compared to the other contenders for the best weighted blanket, the truHugs 20 lb Queen Blanket is more expensive. However, it comes with its Duvet cover (and matching pillow-cases) so the cost is comparable if you purchase all these items. Also, note that truHugs sell its 15 lb blanket and 20 lb blanket for the same price. If you give any points for philanthropy, you might consider that truHugs claims to donate 10% of their profits to charity.

Flaws But Not Deal Breakers

Causes the Sleeper to Become Very Hot

Because this sort of complaint is subjective, it’s impossible to say if this is due to the construction of the blanket or particular reactions. This seems a persistent comment from weighted blanket users and may just be the nature of the product.

No Way to Purchase the Duvet Separately

This isn’t necessarily a flaw but may be a frustration if you want just one or the other. Of course, you could always email and ask truHugs. They’re a small and seemingly very responsive company.

Established in 2010, Weighted Idea bills itself as the ‘first professional manufacturer to put the sensory blanket into mass production on the worldwide market’. I wasn’t able to verify this claim, but I can say that they sell a lot of weighted blankets and their reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Let’s dig into the details of why I gave the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket the designation of ‘Budget Pick’ for best weighted blanket.

Exterior Construction

The exterior construction of the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket is very similar to that of the YnM blanket.

Duvet Cover

Like the YnM blanket, the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket does not automatically come with a duvet cover. Duvet covers are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. Note: It is important to purchase a duvet cover that is compatible with the weighted blanket, preferably from the same manufacturer. Most importantly, make sure that the ties/fasteners on the inside of the duvet cover match those on the weighted blanket.

Blanket Cover

Like the other competitors for best weighted blanket, the exterior blanket material is 100% cotton.

Interior Construction

Blanket Fill

Unlike the top two blankets, the weight of the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket comes from beads made of polymer (plastic). They are hypoallergenic, nontoxic, odorless, and quiet. This blanket also advertises two extra polyester layers (under the cotton top layer) that prevent the beads from leaking.

Quilting

As with the other blankets, the square quilting keeps the weighed beads localized to provide consistent weight and comfort. The squares on the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket are comparable size to those on the YnM blanket.

Fasteners

The Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket has 8 ties (1 on each corner, 1 on each side) to secure to a duvet cover. Again, make sure to buy a compatible duvet so that the ties match up.

Comfort

Reviews suggest that the polymer beads inside the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket allow it to remain as cool or even cooler than comparable blankets with glass beads. Perhaps this is because it doesn’t rely on as much additional filler to keep the beads quiet.

Durability

Durability reviews came in mixed on the Weighted Idea 20 lb Queen Blanket. As with other weighted blankets, its difficult to machine wash (and many dry-cleaners won’t accept them). As before, I suggest purchasing a duvet cover to protect and enhance this blanket.

Note: I wasn’t able to identify a concrete product warranty, but several reviewers comment that the company was receptive to fully-refunded returns.

Value

Weighted Idea comes in on the inexpensive end of the spectrum and still manages to deliver a quality weighted blanket. I definitely suggest it if you want to try a weighted blanket for the first time without a significant investment.

Confusing Care Instructions

Slightly Smaller than Advertised

Some users have reported that this blanket comes in a few inches shy on its dimensions.

All the Nitty Gritty

YnM

truHugs

Weighted Idea

Blanket Size

Queen (60″ x 80″)

Blanket Weight

20 lb

Fill Material

Glass Beads / Fiber Fill

Glass Beads / Fiber Fill (400 gsm)

Polymer

Fill Consistency

Fine

Very Fine

Very Fine

Exterior Blanket Fabric

Cotton

(400 thread count) Cotton

Cotton

Duvet Fabric

Various (sold separately)

Bamboo (300 thread count)

Various (sold separately)

Quilt Square Size

6 in x 6 in

4 in x 4 in

6 in x 6 in

Attachment Mechanism

5 Cotton Loops

Zipper / 12 Ties

Zipper / 8 Ties

Included Cover

No

Yes

No

Warranty

3 Years

1 Year

Unknown

The Bottom Line

Weighted blankets may not be for every sleeper, but they are an increasingly popular sleep aid, especially from sufferers of anxiety, sleep disorders, or insomnia. While the jury may still be out for some people, the majority of the lukewarm reception comes from a lack of understanding about the nature of weighted blankets. They’re small, they’re heavy, and they’re hot. That’s how they do what they are designed to do.

Honestly, the YnM, truHug, and Weighted Idea are all solid contenders for the best weighted blanket on the market. If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, I strongly recommend finding out if a weighted blanket is the solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a single weighted blanket intended for multiple sleepers?

No.

I’ve mentioned this earlier but getting the expectation right is extremely important to the sleeper’s satisfaction. The blankets are sized to cover only the top of the mattress. This means that with the addition of a sleeping body, the blanket will not cover the entire bed. Also, many users report that sharing the space with another sleeper diminishes or fully negates the positive benefits of the weighted blanket. Although some producers sell an 80” x 87” ‘King’ blanket that may work for two sleepers on a Full or Queen bed, I still suggest using one blanket per sleeper.

Is a ‘Weighted Blanket’ the same as a ‘Gravity Blanket’?

‘Gravity Blanket’ is a brand name of a weighted blanket. Although they managed to get themselves amazing brand recognition (think Xerox, Tupperware, and Band-Aid), they didn’t make my top three!